Reading Buddies - Saturday, May 9th (2:00pm-3:00pm)

Do you have a youth that loves reading and wants to spend time with the animals? Join us for CHS Reading Buddies!Reading Buddies: Saturday, May 11th from 2:00pm-3:00pmDo you have a youth who loves reading and wants to spend time with the animals? Join us for CHS Reading Buddies!Reading Buddies at CHS is a place where children connect with literacy in the presence of animals. Reading Buddies guests will be given a 30-minute presentation about Calgary Humane Society, followed by 30-minutes of reading to one animal.Guests will be given an opportunity to practice their reading skills to the adorable animals waiting to be adopted. Our goal is to promote literacy among children and youth while inspiring them to become animal welfare advocates.Reading out loud to animals can help build confidence and enthusiasm for young readers. An enthusiastic staff will give your child an enriching experience to practice reading.Adults must stay within arm's reach of children at all times.The minimum age to join this activity is 6 years old.Our program is a minimum 5 dollar donation, however, we recommend a donation for each additional child in attendance (up to a maximum of 3 children).Pre-Registration Frequently Asked QuestionsWhen is Reading Buddies?Reading Buddies runs from 2:00pm - 3:00pm on select weekend days.How old does my youth have to be?We offer CHS Reading Buddies for youth aged six and up!Do parents need to stay?Yes. The Humane Education Team will greet participants, verify required documentation, and conduct periodic check-ins throughout the event. Each youth participant must be accompanied by one (1) adult, for example, a parent or guardian, for the entire duration of the event.Will your youth read inside of the animal's enclosure?No, you will stay on the outside of the kennel door to read to the animals. This is for the animals' safety and helps your youth focus on reading as well!Do I need to bring a book?Your youth is more than welcome to bring their favorite book to Reading Buddies; however, we will have a variety of books available for your youth to choose from if they would like to read something different and new!How many animals will my youth meet?You and your youth will be assigned to one animal to read to for the duration of the event. This may be animals such as cats, bunnies, birds, reptiles, or small rodents.What is the cost?The Reading Buddies program is open to everyone who registers with a minimum $5.00 donation. We encourage those who register to bring a physical or monetary donation (such as a toy, can of food, linens, treats, etc.) on the day of the event.If you would like to make a donation to our camp subsidy fund, you may include it with your registration. This fund provides a camp opportunity for children from lower-income families.My youth is really good with animals, why are they only allowed to see the animals instead of pet or hold them?Most youth who come to Reading Buddies are very good with animals and passionate about caring for animals in the best possible way. We completely understand your child’s desire to hold an animal or to interact with a specific animal in the shelter. Unfortunately, for the safety of our Reading Buddies participants, all reading will be done through the glass or bars of the enclosure. We are not allowing the youth or their parent to interact directly with the animals.If youth want to interact with the animals, we encourage you to explore Humane Education programming with them, such as clubs, birthday parties, and camps. Here, your youth will be given the opportunity for animal interactions that will provide a quality experience for the participants while keeping our animals’ well-being in mind. You can browse our Humane Education programming here: https://www.calgaryhumane.ca/humane-education/Cancellation PolicyPlease contact the Humane Education Department if your child is registered in Reading Buddies but is unable to attend. Spaces are limited, and we would like to give so